Our Editorial Policy

Issuing Authority: Office of the Editor

1. Editorial Mission and Mandate

   We are committed to practicing principled, democratic journalism that serves the public interest. Our mission is to publish content that is accurate, verified, and rooted in truth. We uphold freedom of expression, individual dignity, and accountability, guided by the values of transparency, justice, and human rights.

2. Editorial Independence

   Editorial decisions are made independently of political, corporate, religious, institutional, or commercial influence. The Editor and the Senior Editors hold final authority over all journalistic content, ensuring that our newsroom remains free from external pressure.

3. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

   • We strictly comply with all applicable laws of Bangladesh, including:

   • The Bangladesh Press Council Act and Code of Conduct

   • The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Act

   • The Digital Security Act (with due regard for press freedom)

   • The Right to Information Act

   • The Penal and Criminal Procedure Codes

   • Article 39 of the Constitution of Bangladesh (freedom of speech and press)

   • Relevant international norms on human rights and media freedom

4. Truth, Verification & Source Transparency

   All facts, data, and quotations must be thoroughly verified and sourced from credible evidence. Unverified allegations must be clearly labelled as such. Proper attribution is mandatory. Errors must be corrected transparently and with appropriate prominence. Amend any mistakes at the earliest possible opportunity

5. Impartiality, Fairness and Balance

   News reporting must be accurate, objective, and free from bias. Multiple perspectives should be presented, especially in contentious issues.

   False equivalence should be avoided unless editorially justified. All individuals or entities mentioned in critical stories must be given a fair opportunity to respond before publication.

6. Privacy and Intrusion

   Intrusions into private life must meet all the following criteria:

   • Clearly justified by public interest

   • Proportionate and minimally invasive

   • Approved by a senior editor

   • Likely to result in meaningful public benefit

   • Covert methods (e.g. surveillance, hidden recording) require heightened justification and explicit editorial approval.

7. Subterfuge and Covert Newsgathering

   Deceptive or undercover methods may only be used when:

   • There is no other way to obtain vital information

   • The story serves a significant public interest

   • Legal risks have been assessed and mitigated

   • A senior editor provides prior written approval

8. Anonymous Sources and Confidentiality

   Anonymous sources may be used only when:

   • Personal safety or job security is at serious risk

   • The information serves a compelling public interest

   • The claims are corroborated by other evidence

   • A senior editor approves anonymity and securely records the source’s identity

9. Sensitive Topics and Harm Minimisation

   When reporting on topics such as suicide, sexual assault, mental illness, or violence, we will:

   • Avoid sensationalism and gratuitous detail

   • Provide warnings where appropriate

   • Follow internationally recognised ethical reporting standards

10. Editorial Ethics and Professional Conduct

    Journalists must not:

    • Engage in plagiarism, fabrication, or deliberate misinformation

    • Accept gifts, payments, or benefits that may influence editorial decisions

    • Violate the dignity, rights, or safety of any individual

    • Misconduct will result in disciplinary action, including possible termination.

11. Conflicts of Interest and Financial Transparency

    Staff must disclose any personal, financial, or familial interests related to subjects they cover.

    Journalists must:

    • Recuse themselves when conflicts exist

    • Declare relevant interests transparently in published content where appropriate

12. Advertiser and Sponsor Integrity

    Editorial and commercial content must remain clearly separate

    Advertorials or native advertising must be explicitly labelled (e.g. "Partner Content", "Sponsored")

    Sponsors have no influence over editorial content

    Editorial integrity will not be compromised by commercial interests

13. Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technology

    Use of AI-generated or AI-assisted content must:

    • Be approved by a senior editor

    • Be transparently disclosed to readers

    • Undergo full editorial review

    • AI may not be used to fabricate quotes, create deceptive visuals, or spread misinformation.

    1. Internal Use of AI and Automation

       The Deltagram may use AI tools for internal purposes such as transcription, research assistance, or language support. These uses must:

       • Be non-editorial in nature unless otherwise approved

       • Not compromise confidentiality or data protection standards

       • Undergo periodic review to assess risks and benefits

       AI will not replace editorial judgment or human accountability in any journalistic process.

    2. Open Source Investigations Policy

       The Deltagram may use open source intelligence (OSINT) techniques — including social media analysis, satellite imagery, metadata examination, and digital forensics — to verify facts and enhance investigative reporting. All such methods must adhere to the highest ethical standards, respecting privacy, legality, and accuracy.

       Verification must be rigorous and transparent, with sources clearly cited unless there are safety or legal risks. Corroboration from a second source or speaking to involved individuals will be prioritised. Use of deceptive identities or digital manipulation is prohibited unless justified by overriding public interest and approved in advance by a senior editor. We are committed to being transparent about our methods where appropriate, and to correcting any errors found in open source findings.

14. Diversity, Inclusion and Non-Discrimination

    Our reporting and newsroom practices reflect the diverse social, cultural, and linguistic fabric of Bangladesh.

    We will:

    • Avoid discriminatory or disparaging references to race, religion, gender identity, disability, or other protected characteristics

    • Highlight underrepresented voices and perspectives wherever relevant

    • Foster equity and inclusion in both staffing and coverage

    • We are committed to avoiding erasure, misrepresentation, or tokenism in our storytelling.

15. Opinion, Commentary and Editorial Distinction

    Opinion content must be clearly distinguished from news reporting

    Editorials reflect the institutional stance of The Deltagram

    Columns reflect the views of the individual writer

    All opinion content must remain factual, respectful, and free of defamatory or hateful language

    1. Election and Political Coverage Standards

       • During elections and politically sensitive periods, The Deltagram will:

       • Ensure equal opportunity for all parties and candidates to be covered fairly and proportionately

       • Refrain from endorsing political candidates in news reporting

       • Prohibit political party membership or affiliations among newsroom staff covering elections

       • Label any election-related opinion content clearly

16. Social Media Standards

    Staff and contributors must:

    • Avoid partisan or inflammatory behaviour on social platforms

    • Protect confidential and embargoed information

    • Clearly separate personal views from the official voice of The Deltagram

    • Staff and contributors are referred to our Social Media Guidelines for full policy details.

17. Accountability, Complaints and Redress

    We maintain a transparent and accessible complaints process:

    • All formal complaints will be acknowledged within 10 business days

    • Serious or unresolved concerns will be reviewed by the Editor or designated committee

    • Outcomes will be documented and communicated in a timely manner

    1. Editorial Corrections and Retractions

       We are committed to correcting mistakes transparently:

       • Minor factual errors will be corrected promptly in the original article

       • Major corrections or retractions will be clearly labelled and timestamped

       • Retractions will include an editorial explanation

       • A record of corrections and retractions will be maintained publicly on our website

    2. Internal Whistleblower Protection

       All editorial staff and contributors are encouraged to report any unethical, unlawful, or unsafe practices within the newsroom.

       • Whistleblowers will be protected from retaliation

       • Reports will be treated confidentially and investigated by a designated ethics officer or editor

       • Corrective actions will follow due process

18. Editorial Governance and Oversight

    Editorial oversight is provided by:

    • Section Editors

    • Editorial Committee

    • The Editor

    This policy is reviewed annually, and any amendments must be formally approved.

19. Transparency and Ethics Training

    This policy will be published publicly on our website

    Annual ethics training is mandatory for all editorial staff and freelancers

    A central record of ethical breaches or complaints will be maintained to monitor trends and ensure corrective action

20. Final Provisions

    This policy will be published publicly on our website

    Annual ethics training is mandatory for all editorial staff and freelancers

    A central record of ethical breaches or complaints will be maintained to monitor trends and ensure corrective action